22-year-old first year Education Studies student Gethin Stedman went travelling in Asia before starting at Cardiff Met. Here he tells us what life is like living in student halls on Cardiff Met’s Cyncoed campus, and how he has settled in since moving out of his parent’s home in Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire.
How did you feel about the experience of moving out for the first time – were you nervous?
I was excited and anxious at the same time. It was difficult, because I am a very family orientated person. But having had the experience of travelling around South East Asia, this helped with the realisation I wouldn’t see my parents for a couple of months at a time, and with embracing my independence.
Why did you want to live in university accommodation?
I had come up to a open day, and I knew wanted to live the ‘University lifestyle’ as well as meeting new people, which I felt living in halls could offer.
What are your flatmates like? Was it easy to make friends and get to know other people in halls?
My flat mates are very friendly people, very outgoing and helpful (especially with the cooking, because I am terrible)! I found it very easy to make friends. If you go into the experience with an open mind and be the “Yes man” you’ll be fine. Join everything and go to everything… but don’t forget those essays!
What is it like living in halls – what do you like about it, and what do you dislike, if anything?
I like the independence and standing on my own two feet – this experience makes you grow up and teaches you life skills.
I dislike a messy flat – I am a proper clean freak and forever cleaning!
What are your essential can’t-live-without items for living in halls?
My laptop, and my comfy pillow.
What advice would you give to someone applying to Uni now, who might be nervous about moving in to halls?
Don’t be nervous at all. It’s a barrel of laughs and you’ll love every single bit of it.
Gethin outside his student halls of residence at our Cyncoed Campus
